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BAPTIST  WORTHIES.  Hf? 


BAPTIST  WORTHIES. 


Our’s  is  a  Milton^  “  in  himself  a  host” — 

,  '  The  mighty  rival  of  “  the  morning  stars;” 

Hailing,  like  them,  from  his  aerial  post, 

.  '  The  young  creation,  bursting  from  the  bars 

,  ‘  •  Of  night  and  chaos  : — singing  of  the  wars 

Fought  by  embattled  angels,  on  the  field 
Where  Lucifer  sustained  eternal  scars, 

Whilst  dashing  headlong  on  the  thunder-shield 
Of  Michael. 

Our’s  is  a  Bunyan.  Pilgrim  of  the  heart, 

The  first  explorer  of  experience’  maze  ; 

His  art  is  nature,  his  nature  art ; 

The  same  simplicity,  which  touches,  sways; 

Fixing  the  minds  it  fascinates,  to  gaze 
On  their  own  secrets,  wonderously  unsealed, 

As  Pilgrim  halts,  or  hesitates,  or  strays  ; 

At  every  step,  or  mountain,  slough  or  field. 

We  see  ourselves,  our  inmost  souls  revealed. 

Our’s  is  a  Fuller,  variously  endowed 
With  gifts  of  intellect,  and  mental  might, — 

In  Jesus’  sacred  cause  he  nobly  stood. 

With  skill  and  vigor  equal  to  the  fight. 

Ye  who  have  studied  what  he’s  written,  say 
What  lessons  of  industry  ye  receive  ! 

See  how  the  truth  possesses  mighty  sway, 

Scoffers  are  mute,  and  infidels  believe  ! 

With  what  simplicity,  and  force  combined 
Does  he  salvation’s  mysteries  display  ; 

Then  with  address  pathetic,  gain  the  mind. 

Till,  oft  the  tears  of  sorrow  force  their  way. 

Our’s  is  a  Hall,  like  a  seraph  he  spoke, 

Enshrined  in  a  mortal’s  disguise  ; 

We  listened,  but  ah,  the  enchantment  is  broke, 

The  seraph  has  passed  to  the  skies. 

Yes  his  was  the  melody,  lofiy  but  sweet, 

Of  intellect  rich  and  refined, 

There  learning,  taste,  genius,  and  piety  met. 

In  one  rare  and  beautiful  mind. 

His  highest  joy  in  his  blessed  repose 
Is  not  that  his  talents  were  bright, 

But  that  he  devoted  them  all  to  his  cause 
Who  crowns  him  with  glory  and  light. 

O  Thou  who  can  brighten  thy  churches  below. 

With  stars  as  the  Seraphim  bright, 

Or  guide  them  in  safety  through  darkness  and  woe, 
By  lamps  of  the  feeblest  light ; 

We  still  would  remember  the  brightest  and  best, 
Compared  with  their  Master,  so  dim ; 

And  when  he  is  pleased,  he  their  course  may  arrest. 
To  centre  their  glories  in  Him* 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


ii6 


A  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT, 

OP  TENNESSEE. 

EY  ROBERT  BOYLE  C.  HOWELL,  D.D. 

The  valley  of  the  Cumberland  is  a  beautiful  region.  Its  original  forests, 
nurtured  in  a  soil  of  extraordinary  fertility,  were  singularly  majestic. 
They  had  the  appearance  more  of  a  boundless  park,  extending  over  hill, 
and  valley,  and  plain,  than  of  nature  in  its  uncultivated  rudeness.  Sixty 
years  ago,  and  the  buffalo,  and  the  deer,  sported  upon  the  banks  of  its 
streams,  and  amid  the  entangled  “  canebrakes  ”  prowled  the  bear  and  the 
panther.  Hardy  adventurers  from  tl^  other  side  of  the  mountains,  had 
begun  to  build  their  cabins  beneath  its  romantic  shades.  They  were  not 
destined  however,  without  fearful  resistance,  to  take  possession  of  this  ter- 
restial  paradise.  Hostile  savages,  who,  during  many  a  slow  moving  century 
had  made  it  their  favorite  hunting  ground,  hung  in  accumulating  num¬ 
bers,  upon  the  borders  of  the  settlements.  They  saw  with  surprise,  and 
indignation,  the  constantly  increasing  multitudes  of  intruders  upon  what 
they  esteemed  as  their  own  just  rights.  They  determined  to  drive  hence 
the  presumptuous  white  man,  and  for  this  purpose  their  forays”  among 
the  settlers,  were  frequent  and  bloody.  They  were  met,  however,  in  eveiy 
valley  and  dell,  and  in  their  own  manner  ;  nor  did  they  often  return  to 
their  wigwams  without  leaving  behind  them  the  bravest  of  their  numbers. 
Soon  the  Indian  became  insufferably  enraged,  and  his  track  was  everywhere 
marked  by  scenes  of  carnage  and  desolation.  Happy  were  those  who 
had  intimation  that  their  stealthy  foe  was  approaching,  and  could  make 
sure  their  retreat  to  some  of  the  “  block-houses”  which  had,  at  intervals 
through  the  country,  been  erected  for  their  safety.  Often  however  his  in¬ 
roads  were  sudden,  and  no  skill  could  evade  them.  Many  a  family  when 
they  least  expected  danger,  were  surprised  by  the  appalling  war  cry,  and 
the  sun  of  the  next  morning  cast  his  rays  upon  the  smouldering  ruins  of 
their  dwellings,  and  the  clotted  and  mangled  remains  of  father  and  mother 
and  children.  The  crack  of  the  rifle,  or  the  blow  of  the  tomahawk, 
brought  into  the  dust  alike,  manly  vigor,  female  loveliness,  and  helpless 
infancy.  The  heart  of  the  red  man  felt  no  pity.  Nor  did  the  vindictive 
saxon  fail  to  cherish  towards  him  the  same  sentiment.  Superior  in  bold 
daring,  and  skilful  stratagem,  as  well  as  in  every  other  respect,  his  malig¬ 
nant  assailant  often  fell  into  his  hands.  In  such  cases  to  the  utmost  ex¬ 
tent  he  was  doomed  to  expiate  his  offences.  The  settler  and  the  savage 
were  guided  by  the  same  principle.  Both  exacted  when  he  had  the  power, 
blood  for  blood,  and  life  for  life. 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


117 


Mingling  in  these  scenes,  about  that  time  might  have  been  seen  a  young 
Virginian  of  most  striking  personal  appearance  and  manners.  His 
frame  was  tall  and  erect,  happily  combining  elegance  and  strength ;  his 
hair  was  perfectly  black  ;  and  his  eye  was  dark,  calm,  and  shaded  by 
heavy  brows.  In  his  countenance,  which  was  regular,  manly,  and  intellec¬ 
tual, were  at  once  seen  great  benevolence,  mingled  with  unconquerable  firm¬ 
ness.  His  whole  demeanor  evinced  a  dignity  which  repelled  every  light 
approach,  and  a  self-possession  which  never  forsook  him.  This  man  was 
the  distinguished,  and  lamented  Rev.  James  Whitsitt.  His  family  was 
of  Irish  origin. — At  what  time  they  immigrated  to  Virginia  cannot  now 
be  determined.  They  occupied,  however,  at  a  very  early  period,  a  posi¬ 
tion  of  respectability  among  their  fellow-citizens,  not  inferior  to  any  other 
family  in  that  renowned  Commonwealth.  His  immediate  ancestor  William 
Whitsitt,  Esq.,  was  brought  up  in  Amherst  county,  where  he  married 
Miss  Ellen  Maneese,  and  engaged  in  the  business  of  planking.  Here  was 
born,  on  the  31st  day  of  January,  1771,  their  son  James,  who  was  destined 
in  after  years,  to  occupy  so  large  a  space  in  the  Church  of  the  Redeemer. 
Ten  years  afterwards,  they  removed  to  Henry  county,  Virginia,  where 
they  continued  to  reside  until  they  set  out  for  the  great  West. 

With  a  brother  and  several  sisters,  James  received  an  education  which 
would  now  be  considered  limited,  but  which  was  as  thorough  and  extensive 
as  the  schools  of  that  region,  were  in  those  early  times,  capable  of  impart¬ 
ing.  His  parents  were  professedly  religious  and  reared  their  children  to 
habits  of  the  most  exemplary  virtue,  industry,  and  frugality.  The  youth 
of  Mr.  James  Whitsitt  was  not  remarkable,  except  perhaps  for  his  serene 
gravity,  his  conscientious  regard  to  his  religious  principles,  and  his  close  at¬ 
tention  to  any  duties  entrusted  to  his  care.  At  a  very  early  age  his  father 
encouraged  and  requested  him  to  engage  in  buisness  on  his  own  account. 
He  readily  assented,  and  before  he  had  attained  his  twentieth  year,  had  ac¬ 
cumulated  property  to  the  value  of  several  thousand  dollars.  It  may  not 
improperly  be  remarked,  in  passing,  that  this  ability  by  which  our  bro¬ 
ther  was  so  early  distinguished,  to  acquire  and  retain  wealth,  continued 
with  him  through  life.  No  man  seemed  to  be  less  worldly  in  his  desires. 
Nothing  like  parsimony  was  ever  discoverable  in  his  character,  or  habits. 
He  evidently  did  not  seek  to  gain  large  possessions.  Yet  they  were 
continually  increasing  in  his  hands.  This  result  is  remarkable  on  many 
accounts.  He  devoted  himself  almost  exclusively  to  the  ministry,  for 
which  he  received  nearly  no  compensation  ;  he  had  a  large  family  for 
which  he  provided  in  the  most  liberal  manner  ;  he  himself  sustained 
most  of  the  expenses  of  the  Church  at  Mill  Creek  ;  and  meantime  his 
contributions  to  the  cause  of  religion  generally,  were  always  large,  and 


118 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


generous  !  Few  men  could  have  borne  burdens,  of  such  ponderous  magni¬ 
tude,  but  he  seemed  not  to  be  sensible  of  their  weight.  His  apparent  in¬ 
tuitive  knowledge  of  men  and  things,  and  the  correctness  of  his  judgment 
in  the  management  of  his  affairs,  were  such  that  he  seldom  failed  to  real¬ 
ize  handsome  profits  from  any  enterprise  in  which  he  thought  proper  to 
engage.  Without  any  visible  solicitude  on  his  part,  wealth  flowed  into 
his  possession  from  every  quarter.  But  the  true  secret  of  his  great  pros¬ 
perity,  was  the  divine  blessing,  which  always  rested  upon  him  in  his  tempo¬ 
ral,  no  less  than  in  his  spiritual  pursuits  and  interests. 

The  religion  of  Mr.  Whitsitt’s  ancestors  was  Episcopalian.  To  the 
Church ,”  as  its  advocates  are  pleased  to  denominate  that  hierarchy,  the 
families  of  both  his  parents  were  strongly  attached.  Into  her  bosom  he 
was  introduced  in  his  childhood,  and  he  was  carefully  reared  in  accordance 
with  his  maxims.  None  of  the  family  at  this  time  however,  as  is  believ¬ 
ed,  knew  any  thing  of  that  change  of  heart  which  is  the  work  of  the  Holy 
Hhost,  and  without  which  none  can  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven.”  In 
the  doctrine  of  true  evangelical  religion  they  had  probably  never  been 
instructed.  Yet,  in  their  way,  they  were  religious.  They  supposed 
themselves  to  have  received  the  blessings  of  the  covenant  of  salvation  in 
••  the  sacraments  of  religion,”  which  by  the  excellency  of  their  morals, 
they  imagined  they  had  preserved  and  perfected.  Their  participation  in 
the  favor  of  Grod  they  never  questioned.  They  were  in  fact,  wholly  igno¬ 
rant  of  their  sin,  and  danger.  Our  heavenly  Father  had  however  in  re¬ 
serve  for  them  rich  blessings,  which  as  yet,  they  could  neither  under¬ 
stand  nor  appreciate.  He  was  about  to  send  them  the  simple  gospel  of  the 
grace  of  God,  unadulterated  by  human  inventions.  Bev.  Joseph  An¬ 
thony,  a  devoted,  and  holy  man,  well  instructed  in  the  truth,  came  provi¬ 
dentially  to  that  quarter  in  prosecution  of  his  ministry,  and  preached 
with  great  power  and  effect.  During  the  year  1789,  the  Lord  poured 
out  his  Holy  Spirit  in  Henry  county,  and  under  his  labors,  a  glorious  re¬ 
vival  of  religion  commenced.  At  this  time  Mr.  James  Whitsitt  was  in 
Bichmond  on  business.  He  soon,  however,  returned  home,  and  was  filled 
with  amazement  at  what  he  saw  and  heard.  Beligion  was  the  theme  of 
conversation  in  every  circle,  and  large  numbers  had  professed  a  change 
of  heart,  and  been  baptized,  among  whom  were  not  a  few  of  his  own  rela¬ 
tions,  and  young  associates.  As  he  knew  more  of  occurrences  in  the 
neighborhood,  his  surprise  gave  place  to  indignation.  It  was  in  his 
opinion,  highly  improper  for  any  man  to  preach  without  the  Episcopal 
sanction,  and  to  conduct  as  he  presumed  Mr.  Anthony  had  done,  ex¬ 
tremely  indecorous.  His  young  friends  were,  as  he  felt  assured,  previ¬ 
ously  sufficiently  religious,  and  he  could  not  but  regard  it  as  shameful 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT.  119 


that  they  should  be  lashed  into  the  mad  enthusiasm  which  they  had 
lately  evinced.  If  they  must  be  eminently  devoted,  why,  he  asked,  might 
they  not  be  so  in  a  more  respectable  and  decent  manner  'I  In  all  this 
he  believed  himself,  as  many  others  have,  under  similar  circumstances, 
only  an  advocate  for  truth  and  propriety,  but  in  reality,  he  was  yielding 
to  the  rebellion  of  a  depraved  heart  against  God.  In  a  word,  the  enmity 
of  his  soul  to  true  religion  was  fully  aroused. 

Such  were  Mr.  Whitsitt’s  feelings  and  views,  when  it  was  announced 
that  Mr.  Anthony  would  preach  on  a  week-day  evening  in  the  neighbor¬ 
hood.  He  was  induced  by  the  persuasions  of  his  friends  to  hear  his  dis¬ 
course.  To  him  this  was  a  memorable  occasion.  A  sermon  of  such 
power  he  had  never  imagined ;  and  then  the  hymns,  and  prayers,  the 
rejoicing  of  Christians,  and  the  agony  of  weeping  penitents  !  Of  such 
things  he  had  before  never  adequately  conceived.  Deep  was  the  strug¬ 
gle  which  agitated  his  soul.  But  he  wept  not,  nor  gave  any  other  exter¬ 
nal  indication  of  emotion.  He  left  the  place  alone,  and  as  he  returned, 
in  considering  the  whole  subject,  could  not  resist  the  conviction,  which 
now  took  complete  possession  of  his  heart,  that  the  foundation  upon 
which  he  had  before  rested  his  confidence  was  deceitful,  and  that  he  was 
in  truth,  a  ruined  and  lost  sinner,  without  God,  and  without  hope  in 
the  world.”  Agitated  and  alarmed,  be  determined  to  ascertain  if  possi¬ 
ble,  at  once,  what  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  do.  He  turned  for  direc¬ 
tion  to  the  true  source  of  knowledge,  the  Word  of  God.  He  read  now 
the  inspired  page  with  constant  prayer,  examined  his  own  heart,  and 
sought  God’s  blessing,  with  an  inexpressible  anxiety.  His  affairs  de¬ 
manded  that  he  should  again,  in  a  few  days,  visit  Richmond.  He  set 
out  promptly.  On  this  journey  he  had  in  charge  several  wagons,  the 
driver  of  one  of  which  had  recently  professed  religion,  and  united  with 
the  church.  With  him  he  had  much  conversation,  but  could  neither 
perceive,  nor  reach,  any  satisfactory  point.  His  prospect -seemed  to 
grow  daily  more  and  more  desperate.  He  durst  not  hope  in  the  mercy 
of  God,  because  he  knew  he  was  also  just,  and  that  his  miserable  offences 
deserved  punishment.  It  was  impossible  to  shake  off  religion  from  his 
mind,  or  to  pursue  it  with  any  success.  Such  was  his  sense  of  depravity 
and  sin,  that  he  could  not  understand,  unless  God  should  change,  how  it 
was  possible  for  him  to  be  pardoned  and  saved.  That  the  change  must 
be  on  his  own  part  had  not  occurred  to  him,  nor  had  he  comprehended 
the  nature  and  efficacy  of  the  satisfaction  made  to  divine  Justice,  in  be¬ 
half  of  penitent  sinners,  by  our  Lord  J esus  Christ.  On  the  night  of  the 
ninth  day  after  he  had  heard  Mr.  Anthony’s  sermon,  he  encamped  as 
usual  with  his  wagoners.  Here  he  requested  his  friend  to  state  to  him 


120  REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


fully,  his  “  Christian  experience.”  He  did  so,  and  never  was  there  a 
more  deeply  interested  auditor.  In  this  narration  his  thoughts  were 
directed  to  Jesus  as  the  Mediator,  the  Redeemer,  the  Intercessor,  and 
much  that  he  had  read  in  the  scriptures,  regarding  him  as  the  Saviour  of 
sinners,  came  up  to  his  mind.  Under  these  circumstances  he  retired 
into  the  forest  to  pray.  His  supplications,  and  tears,  and  agony  were 
long  continued,  but  ultimately  he  was  enabled  to  receive  Christ  by  faith, 
and  rejoice  in  his  Saviour,  able  and  willing  to  ‘‘save  them  to  the  utter¬ 
most,  who  come  unto  God  by  him.”  He  retraced  his  steps  to  the  camp 
at  a  very  late  hour,  calm,  joyful,  and  full  of  gratitude  and  love. 

On  his  return  home,  he  was  received  by  his  family  and  friends,  and 
especially  by  those  of  them  who  had  professed  religion,  with  the  warmest 
enthusiasm.  He  could  not  himself,  however,  fully  participate  in  these 
joys,  because  fearful  apprehensions  had  assailed  him  of  the  genuineness 
of  any  work  of  grace  in  his  heart,  and  he  now  thought  it  very  probable 
that  he  was  deceived.  Christian  conversations,  prayers,  and  worship, 
soon  dispelled  his  doubts,  and  he  was  impressed  with  the  conviction  that 
duty  to  God,  as  well  as  gratitude,  and  every  other  sentiment  of  the  re¬ 
newed  soul,  demanded  that  he  should  now  publicly  profess  his  faith  in 
Christ,  and  unite  himself  with  the  true  church  of  the  Redeemer.  But 
was  he  prepared  to  act  properly  on  all  these  subjects?  Happily  for  him 
he  had  turned  at  first  to  the  Word  of  God.  The  Bible  had  been  his 
only  book.  He  had  determined  to  be  guided  exclusively  by  its  instruc¬ 
tions.  This  was  his  policy  througli  life.  His  path  was  therefore  plain, 
and  open.  He  saw  in  the  Bible  no  ecclesiastical  hierarchy  ;  no  diocesan 
Episcopacy  ;  but  very  plainly  that  the  church  is  a  company  of  faithful 
men  and  women,  called  out  of  the  world  by  the  Gospel,  regenerated  by 
the  Holy  Spirit,  who  have  put  on  the  profession  of  Christ  in  baptism, 
and  are  associated  together  voluntarily,  for  the  worship  and  service  of 
God  ;  and  that  his  pastors  are  men  called  of  God  to  the  work  of  preach¬ 
ing  the  Gospel,  designated  by  the  church  and  her  ministry  as  such,  and 
appointed  by  the  free  suffrages  of  her  members,  to  teach,  and  administer 
the  ordinances  of  religion.  He  saw  in  the  divine  word,  no  baptism  of 
infants,  no  sponsors,  nor  any  of  the  concomitants  of  that  practice.  He 
therefore  renounced  Pscdobaptlsm  as  illegitimate,  and  in  conflict  with 
the  law  of  Christ.  The  form  of  baptism  enjoined  by  the  divine  Law¬ 
giver,  he  could  not  but  see  was  immersion,  a  commemoration  of  the  burial, 
and  resurrection  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  could  therefore,  never  be 
administered  by  sprinkling.  Finally,  the  holy  word  had  taught  him  that 
the  first  duty  of  every  believer  is,  as  a  believer,  to  be  baptized,  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that 


nEV.  JAMES  WIIITSITT,  121 


tills  duty  cannot  be  superseded  by  any  infant  ceremony,  not  set  aside  by 
any  other  means  whatever.  He  was  therefore  prepared,  and  so  I  believe 
will  be  every  other  convert  under  similar  circumstances,  to  move  intelli¬ 
gently,  and  without  material  error,  in  the  solemn  and  interesting  duties 
of  the  Christian  profession. 

Our  brother  availed  himself  of  the  first  opportunity,  and  which  occur¬ 
red  on  the  next  ensuing  Lord’s  day,  to  present  himself  before  the  church 
as  a  candidate  for  baptism,  and  membership.  The  manner  in  which  he 
then  conducted  himself  was  strikingly  characteristic  of  the  man  through 
life.  He  arose  from  his  seat,  walked  solemnly  near  to  the  place  where 
the  preacher  stood — pulpit  there  was  none — and  prefaced  his  statement 
of  “the  reasons  of  his  hope,”  with  an  earnest  and  affectionate  exhortation 
to  his  irreligious  friends,  to  repent  of  their  sins  and  believe  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  At  his  baptism  also,  which  was  administered  by  Mr. 
Anthony,  in  the  presence  of  an  immense  congregation,  he  made  another 
address,  expressing  the  gratitude  to  God  which  he  felt,  for  the  hope  by 
which  he  was  animated,  for  the  promises  of  His  most  holy  work,  for  per¬ 
mission  thus  to  profess  and  honor  Christ,  anddiis  reliance  upon  his  grace 
to  support  him  thereafter,  in  the  profession  of  the  religion  he  was  then 
about  to  take  upon  himself.  On  both  these  occasions  what  he  said  was 
wholly  unpremeditated,  but  it  was  appropriate,  uttered  with  unembar¬ 
rassed  fluency,  and  in  a  spirit  and  manner  which  moved  the  hearts  of  all 
who  were  present.  Strong  excitement  prevailed  in  the  congregation, 
and  especially  at  his  baptism.  Their  hymns  and  their  prayers  were 
mingled  with  tears  of  joy  and  thanksgiving.  His  aged  grandfather, 
James  Maneese,  whose  name  he  bore,  and  who  soon  after  departed  in 
the  triumphs  of  faith  to  a  better  world,  could  not  restrain  the  expression 
of  his  feelings.  The  old  man,  who  had  himself  but  recently  been  brought 
into  the  kingdom,  and  whose  bosom  was  glowing  with  love,  exulted,  and 
thanked  God  that  he  had  been  permitted  to  live  to  see  that  day,  and  to 
witness  the  events  by  which  he  was  then  surrounded.  How  full  of  de¬ 
light  were  oil  those  glorious  scenes !  Our  brother  was  then  in  the  be¬ 
ginning  of  his  nineteenth  year.  He  entered  with  all  his  heart  into  the 
service  of  Christ,  mingled  actively  in  the  revival,  and  prayed,  exhorted^ 
and  instructed  sinners  in  the  way  of  salvation.  Soon  he  commenced  to 
hold  meetings  of  his  own  appointment.  In  a  few  weeks  his  church, 
convinced  that  to  him  was  divinely  committed  “  a  dispensation  of  the 
Gospel,”  gave  him  formal  license,  and  he  began  regularly  to  preach  J esus 
Christ. 

Mr.  Whitsitt,  however,  little  suspected  the  trials  which  were  in  store 
for  him.  The  even  and  happy  tenor  of  life  upon  which  he  had  entered. 


122  REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


was  not  destined  long*  to  continue.  Events  had  been  in  progress  for  ten 
years,  in  other  states  which  were  to  be  the  occasion  of  his  being  over¬ 
whelmed  in  some  respects,  and  in  others  of  changing  entirely  the  field  of 
his  action.  A  brother  of  his  mother,  James  Maneese,  Esq.,  resided  near 
( ruilford  Court  House,  in  North  Carolina.  At  the  celebrated  battle  which 
there  occurred,  he  was  present,  and  fought  in  the  American  lines.  The 
jneeting  at  that  point  of  the  belligerent  armies,  made  his  property  the 
prey  of  both,  and  when  they  had  retired  he  found  himself  houseless,  and 
destitute.  At  this  moment.  General  Robertson  was  engaged  in  that 
quarter  in  collecting  emigrants  to  settle  with  him  in  the  Yalley  of  the 
(Cumberland,  called  by  the  Indians  Suwani,  the  history  of  which  enter- 
prize  is  familiar  to  all  our  people.  Mr.  Maneese  instantly  determined 
to  join  the  expedition,  and  seek  a  home  in  the  wilds  of  the  west,  without 
attempting  again  to  resuscitate  his  affairs  in  Carolina.  To  obtain  the 
means  of  his  removal,  he  disposed  of  such  of  his  effects  as  were  saleable, 
and  taking  his  family,  plunged  with  his  companions  into  tke  wilderness. 
This  company  was  large,  and  in  their  progress  suffered  incredible  hard¬ 
ships.  After  crossing  the  mountains,  they  descended  the  Suwani  to  its 
mouth.  There  about  half  of  them  determined,  among  whom  were  two 
or  three  Baptist  ministers,  that  they  could  not  bear  the  fatigues  of  as¬ 
cending  the  Ohio,  and  the  Cumberland.  They  therefore  continued  on 
down  to  Natchez,  and  settled  among  the  Spaniards.  The  remainder,  un¬ 
deterred,  parted  with  their  friends,  and  arrived  in  May,  1780,  upon  the 
ground  where  now  stands  the  city  of  Nashville.  Mr.  Maneese  was  there¬ 
fore  among  the  first  and  also  among  the  most  useful  citizens  of  this  coun¬ 
try.  Through  him  and  others,  information  of  the  beauty,  healthfulness, 
and  fertility  of  the  Suwani  continued  from  this  time  to  reach  the  family 
in  Virginia.  They  determined  at  length,  and  somewhat  suddenly,  to  try 
also  fortunes  in  the  West.  The  necessary  funds,  and  conveyances 
for  the  journey,  were  collected  together,  and  they  set  out,  leaving  behind 
only  a  married  daughter,  who  some  years  afterwards,  with  her  husband 
and  family,  joined  them  in  Kentucky,  besides  James,  who  had  instruc¬ 
tions  to  settle  his  father’s  affairs,  and  then  to  follow  him. 

Mr.  Whitsitt,  on  his  father’s  departure,  resided  with  his  brother-in-law, 
William  Breathett,  Esq.,  the  father  of  John  Breathett,  late  Governor  of 
Kentucky.  Meanwhile  died  his  beloved  grandfather,  and  the  settlement 
of  his  estate  also  devolved  npon  him.  Thus  he  was  detained  in  Virginia 
longer  than  he  had  at  first  expected.  His  association  with  Mr.  Breathett, 
warmly  attached  to  each  other  as  the  parties  were,  and  little  as  they 
anticipated  such  a  result,  became  the  occasion  of  most  melancholy  detri¬ 
ment  to  our  young  and  ardent  brother.  How  important  to  us  the  society 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


123 


in  which  we  mingle,  especially  in  our  earlier  years  !  How  many  thus 
meet  with  moral  and  spiritual  injuries  almost,  often  perhaps  entirely, 
irreparable  ! — Mr.  Breathett  was  still  an  Episcopalian,  was  an  enemy  to 
the  revival,  and  strongly  disapproved  of  the  religious  connexions  and  con¬ 
duct  of  his  brother.  For  his  superior  judgment  and  intelligence,  Mr. 
Whitsitt  cherished  the  strongest  respect.  His  ^■plebeian  church,”  and 
'‘‘fanatical  meetings,”  were  subjects  alternately  of  gay  ridicule  and  seri¬ 
ous  and  affectionate  remonstrance.  The  perplexities  of  business  also, 
were  not  without  their  effect.  Nothing,  however,  could  drive  him  from 
his  doctrinal  opinions.  These  he  had  fixed  by  the  Bible  ;  he  knew  they 
were  correct,  nor  did  he  ever  relinquish  them.  But  in  another  respect 
he  was  overwhelmed.  The  power  of  religion  in  his  soul  under  these  in¬ 
fluences  gradually  diminished.  Naturally  timid  as  to  his  hopes,  and  in 
those  days  especially  prone  to  spiritual  despondency,  painful  doubts  as 
to  his  personal  acceptance  with  God,  were  permitted  to  take  possession  of 
his  mind.  He  never  questioned  the  reality  of  regeneration  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  or  that  Christians  enjoy  that  great  blessing,  but  he  soon  arrived 
at  the  settled  conclusion  that  he  was  himself  deceived  as  to  his  change 
of  heart,  and  that  he  had  miserably  deceived  all  his  friends  !  He  in¬ 
stantly  relinquished  preaching,  stated  his  case  to  his  brethren  without 
disguise,  and  sought  and  obtained  direct,  nothing  short  of  this  would 
satisfy  him,  prompt  exclusion  from  the  church.  He  now  sunk  down  into 
utter  hopelessness.  A  death-like  torpor  was  upon  him,  which  continued 
during  his  stay  in  Virginia,  and  for  several  years  afterward.  Yet  he 
continued  through  this  whole  period  to  love  Christ  and  his  people,  and 
never  fell  into  any  open  outward  transgression.  His  distress  and  suf¬ 
fering,  however,  were  most  agonizing.  Often  have  I  heard  him  refer  to 
these  events,  and  never  without  a  choked  voice,  and  flowing  tears.  He 
blamed  no  one  but  himself,  and  always  adduced  his  melancholy  “  fall  in 
Virginia,”  as  a  warning  to  professors  of  religion  of  every  class.  These 
were  his  days  of  “wormwood  and  gall.” 

Ultimately,  although  he  had  not  entirely  closed  his  business,  he  set  out 
for  Tennessee.  His  journey  commenced  in  the  autumn  of  1790,  a  year 
after  his  family  had  gone.  In  Carolina  he  joined  his  uncle,  James 
Maneese,  who  had  been  there  for  the  purpose  of  looking  after  his  estate, 
and,  having  no  small  amount  of  property  in  charge,  they  took  the  route 
for  the  settlements  on  the  Holstein.  Here  they  united  with  some  other 
families,  constructed  “  lighters,”  since  called  “  broadhorns,”  sufficient  for 
their  conveyance,  and  following  the  track  of  the  first  emigrants,  embarked 
and  set  ofi’  down  the  river.  They  adopted  this  course,  not  only  because 
it  was  known  to  3Ir.  Maneese,  but  also  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the 


124 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


necessity  of  traversing  with  wagons,  two  hundred  miles  of  uninhabited, 
and  almost  impassable  mountains,  and  of  defending  themselves  the  more 
successfully  against  the  savages,  who  closely  watched  every  step  of  their 
progress,  and  were  ready  to  embrace  the  first  opportunity  to  fall  upon 
and  destroy  them.  They  safely  descended  the  Tennessee,  a  most  diffi¬ 
cult  navigation,  to  the  Ohio,  coursed  that  river  to  the  mouth  of  the  Cum¬ 
berland,  which  they  ascended  to  a  point  seven  or  eight  miles  above  Nash¬ 
ville.  then  known  by  the  more  familiar  name  of  “  the  French  Lock.” — 
Here  they  found  their  families,  and  cabins  in  safety,  and  were  received 
with  a  joy  which  it  is  difficult  for  us  now  fully  to  appreciate.  Large 
tracts  of  land,  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  but  especially  in  Neely’s-bend, 
and  on  Millcreek,  had  already  come  into  their  possession,  most  of  which 
increased  in  value  a  hundred  fold,  and  is  still  held  bv  their  descendants. 

Mr.  Whitsitt  found  here  an  attraction  which  He  had  hardly  anticipa¬ 
ted.  Miss  Jane  Cardwell,  the  daughter  of  his  uncle,  James  Maneese, 
had  been  reared  from  her  tenth  year,  in  these  romantic  wilds.  Some¬ 
times  in  “  the  fort”  at  Nashville,  for  security  against  the  murderous  In¬ 
dian,  and  sometimes  bounding  over  the  neighboring  hills  and  plains,  her 
person  and  mind  had  received  the  impress  of  the  beautiful  region  around 
her.  She  was  now  in  the  early  luxuriance  of  perfected  womanhood.  In 
her  society  tile  hours  passed  “  with  flying  feet,”  until  he  was  obliged 
again  to  visit  Virginia,  to  close  his  business  there,  which  he  did  the  next 
summer.  On  his  return  in  the  winter  of  1792,  they  were  married.  Mrs. 
Whitsitt  was  a  lady  of  great  personal  valor,  robust  health,  and  whose 
industry  and  economical  management  of  her  household  affairs,  have  sel¬ 
dom  been  surpassed.  Never  were  husband  and  wife  more  eminently 
suited  for  each  other.  They  lived  together  most  happily,  during  the 
long  period  of  fifty  years.  They  had  eleven  children,  four  of  whom  died 
in  infancy,  three  reached  maturity  and  died  unmarried,  and  four  became 
the  parents  of  families.  Six  of  the  seven,  who  passed  the  age  of  maturity, 
were  members  of  the  church  of  Christ — two  only  now  survive.  Nor  did 
she  depart  until  she  saw  her  youngest  child  happily  married  and  settled 
in  the  world.  A  more  estimable,  affectionate,  kind,  and  public  spirited 
Christian  and  lady,  can  seldom  be  found  in  any  country.  She  was  truly 
an  help  meet”  for  her  husband.  She  encouraged  him  in  his  labors, 
cheered  him  in  his  despondency,  conducted  his  affairs  in  his  absence  with 
great  energy  and  ability,  always  received  him  on  his  return  with  smiles 
and  cheerfulness,  wept  with  him  in  his  sorrows,  and  rejoiced  with  him  in 
all  his  prosperity.  She  lived  through  the  allotted  period  of  three 
score  years  and  ten,”  and  died  on  the  first  day  of  June,  1840,  rejoicing 
in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  next  day  her  funeral  was  attended  at 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


125 


the  meeting-house  of  the  church  at  Millcreek,  and  after  the  usual  devo¬ 
tional  exercises,  and  a  sermon  by  the  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Nash¬ 
ville,  her  venerable  and  bereaved  husband  stood  up  by  her  coffin,  and  in 
his  own  peculiar  style,  pronounced,  his  voice  occasionally  faltering,  and 
his  tears  flowing  profusely,  one  among  the  most  eloquent  and  affecting 
eulogies  I  have  ever  heard.  Long  will  that  scene  be  remembered  by  all 
who  were  present.  Thus  lived  and  died  one  of  the  noblest  of  women. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Whitsitt  surrounded  him  at  once  by  new  circum¬ 
stances.  A  large  tract  of  land  upon  Millcreek,  one  of  the  finest  and 
most  beautiful  I  have  ever  seen,  and  that  upon  which  he  lived  and  died, 
was  placed  in  his  possession  by  his  father-in-law,  as  part  of  the  patrimony 
of  Mrs.  Whitsitt.  This,  in  preference  to  any  of  his  own,  he  thought 
proper  to  improve.  He  erected  the  necessary  cabins,  cleared  away  the 
forests,  and  commenced  industriously  the  business  of  planting.  During 
two  years  more  he  continued  in  the  same  unhappy  state  of  mind  in  re¬ 
gard  to  religion.  Many  and  painful  were  his  conflicts,  but  they  resulted 
in  nothing  definite,  and  remained  concealed  in  his  own  bosom.  But  in 
the  autumn  of  1794,  two  events  occurred,  which  again  changed  the  whole 
current  of  his  life.  One  of  these  was  a  violent  attack  of  disease,  from 
which,  for  some  time,  he  was  not  expected  to  recover  ;  and  the  other  was 
the  profession  of  religion  by  his  wife.  She  was  soon  after  baptized,  to¬ 
gether  with  several  members  of  his  father’s  family,  and  other  relatives, 
all  of  whom  united  with  the  little  church  which  about  that  time  was 
organized  in  the  neighborhood.  By  these  occurrences  his  religious  feel¬ 
ings  were  again  profoundly  excited,  and  with  weeping  and  supplication 
he  renewedly  sought  the  Lord  with  his  whole  heart.  After  some  weeks 
his  faith  in  Christ  was  happily  revived,  and  he  was  able  to  rejoice  with 
his  family  and  friends,  in  the  abounding  grace  of  God  through  a  merci¬ 
ful  Bedeemer.  He  was  now  once  more  satisfied  of  his  personal  safety 
in  Christ  He  desired  to  unite  with  his  people.  But  his  way  was  com¬ 
pletely  hedged  up.  What  could  he  do  ?  He  had  been  excluded  from 
the  church  in  Virginia,  some  years  previously.  How  was  he  to  obtain 
restoration?  Nor  were  these  his  only  perplexities.  He  had  a  presenti¬ 
ment  that  if  he  reunited  with  the  church  he  should  again  feel  it  his  duty 
to  preach.  To  this,  after  the  mortifications  he  had  suffered  on  that  sub¬ 
ject,  he  was  conscious  that  he  never  could  consent.  He  was  afraid  there¬ 
fore  to  move  in  any  direction.  With  these  came  also  yet  another  diffi¬ 
culty.  He  was  committing  sin  against  God  by  living  out  of  the  church. 
He  was  now,  if  possible,  in  greater  distress  than  ever  before.  A  month, 
however,  had  scarcely  elapsed  before  he  was  not  only  willing  to  serve 
God  in  any  capacity  that  he  should  become  convinced  was  proper,  but 


126 


REV.  JAMES  WHITSITT. 


felt  that  to  be  permitted  to  do  so  would  be  an  unspeakable  privilege. — 
He  was,  in  every  sense,  effectually  bumbled.  He  immediately  wrote  a 
letter  to  liis  old  pastor,  Mr.  Anthony,  which  was  characterized  by  great 
power  and  pathos,  narrating  the  dealings  of  Grod  with  him  for  the  last 
four  years,  and  asking  to  be  restored  to  fellowship.  The  letter  was  read 
to  the  church,  and'joyfully,  and  with  thanksgiving,  his  request  was  granted. 
His  membership  was  immediately  transferred  to  the  little  band  of  disci¬ 
ples  on  Millcreek.  He  felt  himself,  as  he  had  anticipated,  constrained 
to  take  part  in  the  public  duties  of  religion,  and  by  the  advice  of  his 
church,  again  commenced  as  a  licentiate  to  preach  “  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ,”  which  he  did  with  emotions  to  him  before  wholly  un¬ 
known. 

From  this  time  onward  until  near  the  close  of  life,  the  history  of  our 
brother  would  be  substantially,  the  history  of  the  Baptist  denomination 
in  the  Valley  of  the  Cumberland.  He  was  identified  with  it  in  every 
form,  and  preached  almost;  constantly,  extending  his  labors  from  Clarks- 
ville  to  the  mountains,  and  from  the  borders  of  Kentucky  to  Elk  Biver. 
\Tmmigration  was  singularly  rapid,  and  the  country  continued  each  year 
to  be  more  and  more  densely  populated.  Ministers  came  among  them, 
and  in  his  labors  he  was  soon  associated  with  Dillahnnty,  and  McCon- 
nico,  and  Boss,  and  Stevenson,  and  Arnett,  and  Bithel,  and  Wiseman, 
and  Vardeman,  and  Bubbs,  and  many  others,  all  pioneers,  and  men  of 
extraordinary  ability,  purity,  and  success  ;  all  of  whom,  except  Boss  and 
Wiseman,  have  long  since  gone  to  their  reward.  These  two  yet  linger 
upon  the  borders  of  life,  loved  and  honored  by  all  to  whom  they  are 
known.  The  array  of  talent  in  the  ministry  of  our  church,  was  then 
greatly  beyond  that  possessed  by  any  other  denomination  in  this  quarter. 
Indeed,  these  were  equal,  in  some  respects  at  least,  to  the  same  number 
of  men  in  any  other  age,  or  country.  As  a  natural  result,  by  the  bless¬ 
ing  of  God,  nearly  all  the  talents  and  wealth  of  the  country,  belonged  to 
the  Baptists.  The  dangers  and  labors  incident  to  the  first  settlement 
of  this  part  of  our  State,  were  such  that  none  but  persons  of  great  enter- 
prize,  and  indomitable  courage,  dared  to  brave  them.  Such  are  always 
men  of  high  souls,  and  superior  mental  endowments.  They  may  not  be 
learned  in  literature,  the  sciences  and  arts,  but  they  are  often  as  much 
above  those  who  are  in  true  knowledge,  as  the  mountains  of  our  State 
are  above  the  mole-hills  upon  its  plains.  Of  this  class  were  the  early 
ministers  of  whom  I  now  write.  They  were  not  learned  in  the  sense  of 
the  schools,  but  they  had  read  their  Bibles  carefully,  and  prayerfully  ; 
they  had  read  also  a  few  other  standard  books,  with  very  great  advan¬ 
tage  ;  and  in  systematic  and  practical  divinity  they  were  all  profoundly 


MONTHLY  RECORD. 


131 


itcox 


MISSIONARY  INTELLIGENCE. 


Assam. — Letter  of  an  Assamese  Convert. — Plea  for  Assam.  The  following 
letter,  was  written  by  one  of  the  Assamese  youths  now  in  this  country.  In  a 
note  accompanying  it,  Mr.  Bronson  informs  us  that  it  was  prepared  by  the  lad 
without  any  suggestion  from  him,  and  that  with  the  exception  of  a  few  correc¬ 
tions  in  spelling  and  grammar,  it  is  his  own. 

Hamilton,  Jan.  12th,  1850. 

Dear  Sir, — Through  the  good  providence  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  I  am  well, 
and  I  hope  that  you  are  well  also.  Now  I  wish  to  write  you  a  short  letter,  and 
also  acknowledge  that  I  have  received  your  kind  epistle  and  a  book,  which  you 
sent  by  my  beloved  teacher,  Mr.  Bronson.  I  have  very  little  time  to  write,  for 
I  give  up  all  my  time  for  studying,  because  these  few  days  are  my  golden  days. 
I  can  learn  a  great  deal  more  than  I  can  in  my  country,  yet  now  I  have  a  few 
moments,  and  I  shall  devote  them  in  answering  your  good  letter. 

My  dear  Sir,  now  I  wish  to  present  before  you  a  new  subject.  I  have  re¬ 
ceived  some  letters  from  my  country.  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  from  my  dear 
heathen  country,  where  I  was  born  and  grew  up  worshipping  idols ;  nothing  but 
dumb  and  deaf  idols,  who  had  eyes  but  could  not  see,  and  had  mouths  but  could 
not  speak,  and  had  ears  but  could  not  hear,  and  had  feet  but  could  not  walk. 
These  are  our  gods,  although  some  are  made  of  gold  and  silver,  clay  and  brass, 
wood  and  stone.  I  have  spent  twelve  years  in  worshipping  those  venerated 
dumb  idols  ;  yet,  sir,  methinks  that  I  was  not  able  to  say  Ram  or  Kali  was  my 
Saviour  ;  neither  could  I  say  whether  I  should  be  a  cow  or  insect  when  I  died.  I 
could  not  find  any  comfort  to  my  mind,  or  hope  of  eternal  joy.  Now  I  know 
that  all  is  vain  except  Jesus  the  friend  of  sinners. 

But  I  bless  the  name  of  the  merciful  God,  through  whose  infinite  mercy  I  was 
brought  to  a  missionary  school,  and  through  whose  mercy  I  became  a  member 
of  his  dear  family.  Blessed  be  His  name  for  such  a  hope,  the  hope  of  heaven, 
and  for  the  manna  which  comes  from  heaven  daily.  Yes,  sir,  now  I  am  able  to 
say  througli  the  mediation  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  God  is  my  refuge,  whom 
shall  I  fear  ? — and  who  can  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God  ?  Can  trials  or 
temptation?  I  believe  not!  As  it  is  written.  If  God  be  for  us,  then  who  can  be 
against  us. 

The  brethren  wrote  us  for  help  from  this  Christian  country.  O,  dear  sir,  how 
they  are  crying  for  the  word  of  life.  The  most  ignorant  heathen  people,  who 
are  sitting  in  the  region  and  shadow  of  death,  having  found  their  sacred  books 
and  having  seen  the  light  of  Christianity,  these  wish  to  know  more  concerning 
the  pure  religion  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  how  can  they  know?  And 
why  do  the  heathen  say  day  and  night,  Where  is  thy  God?  Please  let  him  be 
known  among  the  heathen,  that  they  may  know  and  honor  him.  For  the  scrip¬ 
ture  saith,  “  Whosoever  believeth  on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed.  For  there  is  no 
difference  between  the  Jew  and  the  Greek,  for  the  same  Lord  over  all,  is  rich 
unto  all  that  call  upon  him.  For  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord  shall  be  saved.  How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  they  have 
not  believed  ?  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ? 
and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher?  And  how  shall  they  preach  except 
they  he  sent  ?  As  it  is  written,  How  beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  who  preach 
the  gospel  of  peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good  things.  I  have  mentioned  these 
five  verses  to  you,  because  1  have  seen  no  diflerence  between  American  and 


132 


MONTHLY  RECORD. 


Assamese  or  any  other  nation  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.  Particularly  I  write 
about  my  countrymen,  with  whose  reli^oon  I  am  perfectly  well  acquainted. 

I  left  my  parents  and  also  dear  native  land,  far  away  on  the  other  side  of  the 
earth,  not  only  to  see  this  country  and  the  people,  but  to  ask  American  Chris¬ 
tians  to  send  us  help.  O  yes,  helpless, — such  we  are, — please  help  us.  When 
the  heathen  know  that  by  their  sacred  books,  or  by  worshipping  idols,  they  have 
no  salvation,  they  have  no  comfort  to  their  minds;  they  have  nothing  but  dark¬ 
ness  and  blindness  of  mind.  But  now  from  the  mountains,  from  the  plains  and 
from  the  valleys,  they  are  reaching  their  hands  day  by  day  for  the  bread  of  life, 
calling  upon  the  Cliristian’s  God ;  who  made  the  heaven  and  the  solid  earth  upon 
which  we  live.  The  most  ignorant,  superstitious,  idolatrous  heathen  wake  up 
from  their  long  sleep,  and  calling  for  help  from  American  Christians,  say,  Please 
give  us  a  bible,  give  us  a  living  teacher.  O  yes,  help  us  needy  creatures  of  the 
same  Lord  over  all. 

The  Assamese  people  are  not  dying  for  worldly  riches,  but  they  are  dying  for 
the  bread  of  life,  which  came  down  from  heaven  not  alone  for  the  Americans, 
but  also  for  the  poor  heathen.  Jesus  Christ  has  not  died  alone  for  Americans, 
but  also  for  the  heathen ;  as  He  said.  Not  for  the  righteous,  but  the  poor  sinners. 
Heathens  know  they  have  immortal  souls  to  save  from  hell.  We  want  some 
more  missionaries.  Those  who  have  gone  to  proclaim  the  blood  of  the  Saviour 
there,  are  now  old.  Their  general  health  is  feeble,  therefore  we  want  some 
new  ones. 

My  teacher,  Mr.  Bronson,  told  me  that  you  would  send  two  more  missionaries 
with  us  when  we  go  back  to  Assam.  I  want  to  write  one  subject  more.  Please 
hear  me.  Can  you  not  send  out  to  our  country  more  ?  Can’t  you  send  three 
men  with  us,  for  it  is  a  great  work  for  missionaries  to  acquire  the  knowledge  of 
a  foreign  tongue.  But  now  we  are  able  to  teach  those  missionaries  on  the  ocean 
while  we  sail  from  America  to  Calcutta :  and  I  have  brought  over  some  printed 
alphabets  and  books  already.  Now  I  pray  if  you  can  send  three  ?  we  should  be 
very  glad  to  go  from  this  country  with  three,  one  for  each  station ;  and  we  can 
prepare  them  to  talk  and  read  and  write  our  language,  so  that  when  they  get 
to  our  country  they  can  straightway  preach  the  gospel  to  the  perishing  people, 
and  the  people  will  be  quite  astonished  to  see  the  new  missionary  talk  our  lan¬ 
guage  and  write  our  character.  I  wish  you  may  do  so ;  please,  sir,  do.  Don’t 
make  us  disappointed.  Please,  sir,  don’t  make  our  visit  in  vain  ;  but  assist,  that 
it  may  be  for  the  glory  of  God.  Please,  dear  sir,  do  something  that  these  millions 
of  people  may  now  take  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  prepare  themselves  to 
live  and  meet  in  the  new  Jerusalem  and  give  thanks  and  praise  everlasting.  Please, 
sir,  send  three  with  us,  and  it  will  be  better  for  missionaries  to  know  the  language 
before  they  enter  their  fields. 

Sir,  they  are  all  white,  ready  to  harvest.  The  dear  disciples  of  our  dear  Lord 
are  necessary  to  break  the  bread  of  life  to  the  perishing  people,  who  are  still  desti¬ 
tute  of  eternal  life. 

1  am  happy  to  say  that  we  have  here  a  very  fine  academy,  and  also  an  excellent 

teacher.  I  should  like  to  take  Mr. - with  us  to  our  country,  to  be  our 

teacher  for  our  orphan  institution. 

Please  write  us  a  few  words  to  comfort  us  about  our  perishing  country. 

Your  once  heathen,  but  now  Christian  friend,  Lucian  D.  Hayden. 

The  editor  of  the  Magazine  remarks  concerning  this  letter :  “  What  concerns 
US  most  is  the  issue  of  the  appeal.  Shall  it  prevail  ?  Shall  it  find  responsive 
hearts  among  our  countrymen  in  ‘  this  Christian  country  ?’  Will  ‘  American 
Christians’  hear  these  ‘most  ignorant,  superstitious  and  idolatrous  heathen,’  as 
they  ‘  wake  up  from  their  long  sleep,  and,  calling  for  help,  say,  “  Please  give  us 
a  Bible,  give  us  a  living  teacher ;  O  yes,  help  us  poor  needy  creatures  of  the 
same  Lord  over  all.”  ’ 


MONTHLY  RECORD. 


133 


GENERAL  ITEMS. 

Baptists  m  Kentucky. — We  notice  that  Rev.  R.  Holman,  Corresponding  Sec¬ 
retary  of  the  Southern  Board  of  Domestic  Missions,  has  ascertained  that  in  Ken¬ 
tucky  one-twelfth  of  the  inhabitants  are  members  of  the  Baptist  denomination. 

We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Eighth  Annual  Meet¬ 
ing  of  the  General  Association  of  the  Baptists  of  Tennessee  and  North  Ala¬ 
bama,  held  October  27-30,  1849;  also  the  Proceedings  of  the  West  Tennessee 
Baptist  Convention,  held  Sept.  7-11,  1849.  The  meetings  were  very  harmoni¬ 
ous.  The  churches  seem  to  be  gradually  coming  up  to  the  help  of  the  cause  of 
benevolence  and  of  God. 

The  Biblical  Recorder. — This  paper  has  been  much  enlarged  and  impro¬ 
ved.  The  editor,  T.  Meredith,  has  manifested,  during  the  last  year  especially, 
that  he  knows  how  to  wield  the  pen.  He  makes  a  good  paper.  We  wish  him 
abundant  success. 

MINISTERIAL  CHANGES. 

Rev.  B.  C.  Morse,  of  Franklin,  Ind.,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church 

^  _ 

in  Piqua,  O.  Rev.  Leonard  Fletcher  has  become  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist 
church  in  New  Orleans,  La.  Rev.  Mr.  Kingsbury,  of  Saratoga,  N.  Y.,  has  be¬ 
come  pastor  of  the  South  Baptist  church,  Albany,  N.  Y.  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Mead, 
of  Cato,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church,  Vienna,  Ont.  co.,  N.  Y.  Rev. 
Wm.  S.  Mikels,  of  Rondout,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Sing 
Sing,  N.  Y.  Rev.  S.  S.  Parker,  of  Burlington,  N.  J.,  has  become  pastor  of  the 
First  Baptist  church  in  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  Rev.  O.  T.  Walker,  of  Tisbury, 
Mass.,  has  agreed  to  labor  for  the  present  with  the  Third  Baptist  church  North 
Stoniiiglon,  Ct.  Rev.  H.  V.  Jones,  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  has  become  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church  in  Piscataway,  N.  J.  Rev.  E.  G.  Sears,  formerly  editor  of  the 
Christian  Review,  has  been  appointed  Professor  of  Languages  at  New  Hampton 
Institution  in  N.  H.  Rev.  Leonard  Tracy,  of  West  Boyleston,  Mass.,  has  be¬ 
come  pastor  of  the  Baptist  churcli  at  New  Hampton,  N.  H.  Rev.  Henry  Ton¬ 
kin,  of  Wilton,  N.  H.,  has  become  agent  of  the  N.  H.  State  Convention.  Rev. 
D.  L.  McGear,  of  Central  Falls,  R.  J.,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church 
in  Grafton  Centre,  Mass.  Rev.  J.  M.  Rockwell,  of  Rutland,  Vt.,  has  become 
pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Belchertown,  Mass.  Rev.  Isaac  Merriam  has 
become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Raleigh,  N.  C.  Rev.  A.  H.  Stowell,  of 
Moriah,  N.  Y.,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Saratoga  Springs, N.Y. 
Rev.  Aiiira  Jones  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Hallowell,  Maine. 
Rev.  P.  Matthewson,  of  Tolland,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at 
South  Centre  in  Ashford,  Cc.  Rev.  Thomas  Davis  has  become  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church  in  Wantage,  N.  J.  Rev.  John  R.  Murphy  has  become  pastor  of 
the  Tenth  Baptist  church,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  Rev.  Wm.  Cormac  has  become 
pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  Rev.  F.  Glanville  has  become  pas¬ 
tor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Montrose,  Pa.  Rev.  Stephen  P.  Hill  has  resigned 
his  office  as  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Baltimore,  Md.  Rev.  George 
W.  Baines,  of  Mount  Lebanon,  La.,  has  become  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Huntsville,  Texas. 


134 


MONTHLY  RECORD. 


REVIVALS. 


Phoenixville,  Pa.,  70  hopeful  conversions  up  to  Feb.  18;  Sag  Harbor,  L.  I., 
36  added  to  the  church  up  to  Feb.  18  ;  Brooklyn,  L.  L, Pierrepont-st.  Bap,  church, 
17  (instead  of  19  as  the  N.  Y.  Recorder  reported,  which  was  copied  by  other 
papers)  baptized  March  3  ;  First  Baptist  21,  and  Strong  Place  21,  on  the  same 
day;  in  New-York  and  vicinity  203  were  baptized  March  3,  instead  of  205  as 
stated  by  the  same  papers.  Rev.  .T.  L.  Richmond  writes  us  that,  in  Tompkins^ 
Del.  CO.  N.  Y.,  where  he  is  laboring,  the  Lord  has  been  pouring  out  his  spirit  in 
a  wonderful  manner  that  100  have  been  hopefully  converted,  60  of  whom  have 
united  with  the  Baptist  church  of  which  he  is  pastor.  Chicago,  Ill.,  20  baptized 
Feb.  10;  Old  Cambridge,  Mass.,  40  hopefully  converted  up  to  Feb.  25;  South 
Abington,  Mass.,  over  100  hopeful  conversions  up  to  March  7 ;  Ottawa,  Ill.,  20 
baptized ;  Niles,  Mich.,  69  baptized ;  Rev.  Hervey  Hawes,  of  Augusta,  Me.,  writes 
to  us  that  he  has  been  laboring  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Sedgewick,  Me.,  and 
that  15  have  obtained  hopes  in  Christ ;  Greenport,  L.  L,  13  baptized  :  Essex,  Ct. 
200  hopeful  conversions  in  the  town,  and  42  immersed  up  to  March  15 ;  Deep 
River,  Ct.,  about  20  baptized  up  to  March  15  ;  Colchester,  Ct.,  26  baptized  up 
to  March ;  several  other  towns  in  Connecticut,  says  the  Christian  Secretary,  are 
enjoying  revivals. 

MONTHLY  LIST. 


Deaths  of  Baftlst  Ministers. 

Thomas  C.  Merrill,  Sacramento  City, 
California,  Oct.  j 

Wm.  Muddiman,  Liverpool,  Medina  co.  | 
Ohio,  Dec.  18,  aged  69. 

Jesse  Adams,  Wilks  co.,  N.  C.,  Jan.  31,  j 
aged  64. 

Porter  Clay,  Camden,  Ark.,  Feb.,  aged  ' 
about  70.  i 

Jonathan  Dewees,  Greenville  District, 
S.  C.,  aged  81. 

Ordinations. 

Roswell  Walker,  Rose,  Mich.,  Dec.  10.  > 

J.  F.  Martin,  New  Hope,  Clay  co.  Mo.,  I 
Dec.  25. 

Daniel  Giddens,  Bellville,  Conecuh  co., 
Ala.,  Dec. 

Redmond  Jones,  Hopewell  ch.,  Tuscal. 
CO.  Ala.,  Dec.  29. 

John  Scott,  Zoar,  Ind.,  Jan.  25. 

J.  J.  Bateman,  Darlington,  S.C.,  Jan.27.  ; 

Wm.  D.  Martin,  Marion  C.  H.,  S.C.  Feb. 

Elijah  B.  Timmons,  Hebron,S.C.  Feb.3.  j 

John  Kyle,  Madrid,  St.  Lawrence  co.,  ' 
N.  Y.,  Feb.  7. 

Isaac  Cheeseborough,  Chester,  Conn., 
Feb.  14. 

Josiah  Phillips,  Radnor,  Del.  co.,  Pa. 
Feb.  14. 


R.  H.  Spatford,  Sandhill,  Otsego  co., 
N.  Y.,  Feb.  20. 

John  C.  Mallory,  Mud  Creek,  Steuben 
CO.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  20. 

Nelson  Palmer,  Madison,  Mad.  co.,  N.Y. 
Feb.  20. 

Leonard  Black,  Stonington,  Ct.,  Feb.21. 
Bergen  Stelle,  Piscataway,  N.J.  Feb.21. 
H.  R.  Dakin,  Peach  Orchard,  Tomp. 

CO.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  26. 

John  C.  Counts,  Springfield,  la. 

Joseph  W.  Atkinson,  Mount  Calvary, 
Caroline,  Va.,  March  3. 

Dan’l  Reese,  Carsville,  L.  I.,  Feb.  26. 

Churches  Constituted. 

Indian  Creek,  Morgan  co.,  O.,  Jan.  18. 
Albion,  O.,  Jan.  19. 

North  Troy,  Vt.,  Jan.  31. 

Wauconda,  Lake  co..  Ill.,  Feb.  16. 
Manchester,  Mass.,  Feb.  28,  (formerly 
a  Christian  church.) 

New  Richmond,  Ind. 

Newark,  N.  J.,  March  5,  (called  South 
Baptist  Church.) 

Dedications. 

Clinton,  Wis.,  Dec.  23. 

Covert,  Seneca  co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  16. 

New  Ipswich,  N.  H.,  Feb.  14. 


LITERARY  NOTICES. 


135 


lilTERARY  NOTICES. 


Kosmos :  a  Sketch  of  a  Physical  Description  of  the  Universe,  By  Alexander  Von 

Humboldt — Translated  from  the  German,  by  E.  C.  Otte.  Vols.  I.  &  .II.  New- 

York ;  Harper  &  Brothers,  pp  375,  3G7-12mo. 

Almost  every  child  has  heard  of  Humboldt’s  extensive  travels,  and  researches 
into  the  arcana  of  nature.  He  is  one  of  the  most  distinguished  if  not  the  most  dis¬ 
tinguished  naturalist  that  ever  lived.  He  has  traversed  continents  and  oceans, 
scaled  mountains  the  most  difficult  of  ascent,  penetrated  and  explored  the  most 
dangerous  caverns  of  the  earth,  encountered  the  snows  of  Siberia  and  the  heat  and 
malaria  of  tropical  Asia  and  South  America,  in  his  scientific  investigations.  He 
has  written  several  works,  which  have  been  given  to  the  public  before  the  one 
which  is  noAV  presented.  After  his  return  from  America  to  Paris  in  1804,  he  com¬ 
menced  a  splendid  series  of  publications.  In  1817,  four-fifths  were  completed  and 
a  single  copy  cost  about  S500.  The  present  work  seems  to  comprehend  the  result 
of  his  vast  experience  and  researches — a  summary  of  his  more  extensive  works 
upon  the  material  universe.  The  first  volume  contains  a  sketch  of  all  which  is 
known  in  respect  to  the  physical  phenomena  of  the  universe.  The  second  volume 
treats  of  incitements  to  the  study  of  nature,  in  descriptive  poetry,  landscape  paint¬ 
ing,  and  the  cultivation  of  exotic  plants.  The  different  epochs  in  the  progress  of 
discovery  are  also  considered,  and  the  corresponding  stages  of  advancement  in 
civilization.  At  some  future  time  a  third  volume  is  to  be  issued,  embracing  the 
scientific  development  of  the  great  picture  of  nature.  This  work,  it  should  be  re¬ 
marked,  is  strictly  scientific.  The  author  confines  himself  to  the  object  before 
him — the  investigation  oinatnrc.  We  should  be  glad  to  see  frequent  references 
to  the  all  ruling  providence  of  the  God  of  nature.  We  have  not  discovered  any 
thing,  however,  like  infidel  sentiments,  or  any  thing  irreverent  to  Deity,  The 
work  is  adorned  wdth  a  beautiful  portrait  of  the  author,  and  every  lover  of  nature 
must  have  it.  The  volumes  are  neatly  printed  on  good  paper,  "and  handsomely 
bound. 

History  of  Spanish  Literature.  By  George  Ticknor.  In  three  Volumes.  Vols.  II. 

and  III,  New-York:  Harper  &  Brothers,  pp.  552,  549-royal  8vo. 

We  have  already  spoken  of  this  valuable  work,  and  would  now  call  the  atten¬ 
tion  of  our  readers  to  it  again.  Here  is  a  work  of  nearly  2000  pages,  and  is  un¬ 
doubtedly  the  most  authentic  and  able  of  any  in  our  language  upon  the  subject. 
Vols.  11.  &  in.  present  the  history  of  literature  from  the  accession  of  the  Austrian 
family,  at  the  commencement  of  the  sixteenth  century,  to  the  throne  of  Spain, 
until  its  extinction,  at  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  century.  Spain  has  been  distin¬ 
guished  for  learning  as  well  as  for  power  ;  but  by  the  loss  of  the  latter,  and  espe¬ 
cially  by  her  long  struggle  in  endeavoring  to  retain  it,  she  became  enervated — she 
was  shorn  of  her  glory — her  literature  expired  with  her  political  greatness,  and 
for  more  than  a  century  the  pall  of  ecclesiastical  despotism  and  ignorance  have 
rested  upon  the  nation,  and  lamentably  eclipsed  her  former  scientific  splendor. 
Every  one  who  peruses  the  volumes  will  be  delighted  with  the  manner  in  which 
the  author  treats  the  subject.  The  style  is  dignified  and  truly  elegant.  The  typo¬ 
graphical  execution  is  of  the  first  order,  the  paper  and  binding  are  beautiful,  and 
we  have  no  doubt  that  the  work  will  have  an  extensive  sale,  as  it  richly  deserves. 
The  Messrs,  Harpers  deserve  much  credit  for  the  elegant  manner  in  which  they 
get  up  their  works.  One  can  select  from  every  style. 

Latter  Day  Pamphlets.  Edited  by  Thomas  Carlyle.  No.  1.  The  Present  Time. 

By  the  same  Publishers. 

Carlyle  is  a  spirited  writer — does  not  lack  energy  of  thought,  nor  a  vivid  man¬ 
ner  of  expressing  it.  He  is  exciting,  nervous — his  imagination  is  easily  kindled 
into  a  flame,  and  he  generally  succeeds  in  arousing  the  sensibilities  of  his  atten¬ 
tive  reader.  To  some,  however,  his  style  is  rough  and  uncouth  ;  but  never  mind, 
his  energy  of  spirit  and  flow  of  soul  will  make  up  for  that.  In  the  present  case  he 
has  got  rather  a  religious  title  to  a  political  exhortation  ;  but  the  more  odd  the 
belter  for  him.  This  work  will  be  read  with  great  eagerness  by  multitudes,  though 
we  do  not  exactly  approve  of  this  mixing  up  religious  and  secular  affairs  into  one 
fermenting  conglomeration. 


136 


LITERARY  NOTICES. 


History  of  the  Egyptians — History  of  the  Persians.  By  Edward  Farr.  New-York  ; 
Robert  Carter  &  Brothers,  pp.  310,  329. 

These  are  the  first  two  volumes  of  a  series  of  historical  works.  Two  more  are 
announced  in  the  department  of  ancient  history.  We  are  pleased  with  these  vol¬ 
umes.  They  are  written  in  the  spirit  of  Christianity.  Historians  too  often,  at  this 
day  disregard  the  Christian  religion,  if  they  do  not  actually  sneer  at  the  humbling 
doctrines  of  the  cross,  and  throw  their  influence  in  the  scale  of  infidelity.  Mr. 
Farr  comes  out  frankly  and  declares  the  hope  that  his  history  may  be  the  hand¬ 
maid  to  religion.  He  places  the  bible  as  every  historian  ought  to  do,  at  the  foun¬ 
dation  ol  credible  ancient  history,  and  eonsiders  the  earliest  profane  historians  as 
far  less  authoritative  than  the  sacred  historians.  Many  thrilling  scenes  described 
in  the  holy  Scriptures  occurred  in  Egypt  and  Persia,  aiid  we  are  entirely  depen¬ 
dent  upon  the  sacred  writers  for  reliaole  facts  in  reference  to  most  of  tuem.  Tne 
author  has  drawn  froiriRollin  and  other  authentic  sources.  His  investigaiionsseem 
to  have  been  thorough  and  his  deductions  judicious.  I'he  History  of  Eg3’'pt 
from  about  2613  B.  C  to  the  subversion  of  the  Ptolemies  which  occurred  about 
30  B.  C.  is  lully  narrated  and  a  brief  sketch  down  to  A.  D.  1811.  The  history  of 
Persia  from  about  2190  B.  C.  lo  the  pre.sent  time  is  given.  This  work  will  be 
exceedingly  valuble  to  clergymen,  a-  it  admirably  delineates  the  connection  be¬ 
tween  sacred  and  prolane  history.  It  will  be  valued  t)y  Christian  families,  and  we 
heartily  wish  that  it  could  be  perused  by  all  of  theyouih  in  our  land.  How  much 
better  would  that  be  than  for  them  to  be  burning  the  midnight  oil  over  the  miserable 
novels  which  deluge  the  country. 

Daily  Bible  Illustrations.  By  John  Kitto.  D.D.,  F.S.A. — Same  publishers,  pp. 
4U7-l2mo. 

This  volume  is  intended  to  furnish  a  complete  history  of  the  bible,  adapted  to 
daily  readings  in  families.  It  supplies  us  v.  itti  readings  lor  about  one  quarter  of 
the  3'ear,  and  other  volumes  are  expected  to  lollow.  The  author  has  enriched  the 
w'ork  with  a  great  amount  of  information  drawn  I’rom  sacred  history,  biography, 
geography,  antiquities  and  theology.  It  is  wriuen  in  such  a  manner  as  to  instruct 
and  interest  families  and  cueer  tlie  heart  of  the  chii'tian.  The  author  dwells  upon 
the  Antediluvians  and  the  Patriarchs.  The  book  is  adorned  w'ith  a  handsome  en¬ 
graving  of  Mount  Ararat. 

Cuba  and  the  Cubans — comprising  a  History  of  the  l.sland,  its  social,  political  and 
domestic  condition  ;  also  its  relation  to  England  and  the  United  States.  By  the 
author  of  “Letters  from  Cuba.”  New-Yurk;  Samuel  Hueston,  139  Nassau- 
sireei.  pp  255-l2mo. 

This  volume  is  well  timed  and  must  sell  with  a  rush.  There  is  at  the  present 
moment  much  excitement  in  this  country  and  in  Pngland  in  respect  to  the  future 
destiny  of  Cuba-  It  is  not  to  be  cotiee,. led  ma.  many  it  not  a  majority  of  her  in¬ 
habitants  wish  to  have  the  Island  annexed  m  ihe  United  States,  and  every  one  is 
eager  to  learn  all  the  facts  which  bear  upon  the  great  subject.  By  perusing  this 
book  one  may  learn  the  internal  state  of  the  island — her  resources,  taxes,  oppres¬ 
sions,  preferences,  &c.  Pier  religious  state,  groaning  as  she  is  under  the  tyranny 
of  a  priesthood  of  debaucnees.  must  awatten  every  Christian  and  philanthropist  to 
effort  in  her  behalf.  Read  this  book  and  you  can  but  feel  and  pray  and  act  for 
Cuba — to  relieve  her  morally  if  not  politically.  The  volume  is  accompanied  by  a 
correct  map  of  the  Island  and  is  neatly  printed  and  bound. 

The  Philosophy  of  Unbelief  in  Morals  and  Religion. — By  Rev.  Plerman  Hooker, 
M.  A.  Carter  &  Brotners.  }jp.  286,-l2mo. 

There  is  an  attempt  by  the  autbor  to  show  that  there  is  much  more  infidelity 
in  the  w’orld  than  men  will  acknowledge.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  actions  of 
men  everywhere  are  in  strange  conirarietv  wdih  their  professed  belief.  There  is 
an  immen.se  amount  of  practical  inflJelit}'.  We  are  glad  to  see  this  subject  taken 
up  and  uiscussed  in  a  separate  treatise  and  so  ably  as  Mr.  Hooker  has  done  it.  We 
hope  its  evangelical  sentiments  may  be  extensively  circulated.  We  commend  it 
to  the  perusal  and  careful  study  of  all  w'ho  desire  to  be  Christians  in  reality  as  well 
as  in  name. 

We  have  received  from  the  same  house.  Marshall  on  Sanctification,  forming 
another  number  of  the  Cabinet  Library,  it  enumerates  the  qualities  necessary  for 
attaining  a  high  state  of  god.iness.  The  means  are  mentioned  by  w^hich  it  may 
he  reached.  What  can  be  more  important! 


